Special Interest Groups

Our objectives are the following:

1. To enhance the collaboration and network building among stakeholders in breast cancer research and care in Aotearoa New Zealand.

2. To catalyse innovative research, clinical trials, and methodologies that are focussed towards improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

3. To serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and dissemination of research findings, clinical practices, and policy developments related to breast cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We will generate a New Zealand ctDNA collaborative network, which will take a coordinated, shared approach to translational research into ctDNA in New Zealand. With that approach in mind, the collaborative network aims to connect NZ ctDNA research teams with funding organisations, oncologists, community groups, diagnostic laboratories and companies, as well as government bodies including the Cancer Control Agency and Pharmac.

The New Zealand gastrointestinal cancers special interest group (GISIG) is a group of GI cancer interested clinicians. We represent specialist nurses and doctors from various fields including but not limited to surgical, medical, and radiation oncology, pathology, gastroenterology, genetics and interventional radiology. Our aims are patient advocacy working towards equitable access to effective therapy, prevention, screening and testing technologies. We act as a venue for interdisciplinary education, research and collaboration.

GO-SIG exist to develop Geriatric Oncology as a sub speciality in Aotearoa New Zealand by multicentre and multidisciplinary collaboration in the field of education, research, and advocacy, with the goal of improving cancer care in the elderly.

GCL-SIG will undertake the work required to create a new strategic plan for gynaecological oncology translational research in New Zealand. GCL-SIG will provide a strong, collective voice for gynaecologic oncology clinical practice, education, and translational research in New Zealand. As a specialized group, GCL-SIG will bring together individuals/groups and clinicians/scientists from different organizations or institutions working in an area of gynaecologic oncology.

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We introduce ourselves as the New Zealand Lung Oncology SIG which was established in 2018. We are clinicians from across the country with expertise and a passion in caring for patients with thoracic malignancies. Our main objectives and focus of activity are: advocacy, research, national collaboration and education.

The Melanoma Research and Therapy Special Interest Group is a national and inclusive multidisciplinary group of melanoma health professionals and researchers seeking to achieve consensus on current issues relating to melanoma research and therapy, implement solutions to these issues and improve upon current standards of care by promoting and facilitating research in melanoma.

The group is coordinated by the Melanoma Network of New Zealand (MelNet), a charitable organisation of health professionals committed to reducing the incidence and impact of skin cancer in New Zealand.

The Molecular Oncology & Laboratory Medicine (MOLAB) aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among oncologists, pathologists, laboratory scientists, and clinical researchers to enhance cancer detection and prognostication.. MOLAB serves as a platform for knowledge exchange in precision oncology, laboratory medicine, and the integration of innovative research into diagnostic pathology workflows.

MOLAB engages in a range of activities aimed at advancing the field of molecular oncology and laboratory medicine. These include organizing webinars, workshops, and panel discussions on emerging diagnostic technologies, biomarker discovery, and translational research.

Survival rates of cancer have improved, thanks to improved treatments and earlier and better diagnosis. However, during and even long after cessation of treatment, patients can experience a wide range of side effects due to the disease and its treatment. This includes fatigue, reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, which may have a large impact on health-related quality of life.

Rehabilitation programs are known to mitigate, or even prevent, the short-term and long-term side effects patients experience due to cancer and its treatment. Prehabilitation, the phase before surgery, has the potential to improve current health and overall functioning to better withstand upcoming treatments. (P)rehabilitation in the cancer continuum can encompass, among others, exercise (strength and cardiovascular), psychosocial, and nutrition optimization.

SIG Aim: To unite researchers and clinicians across Aotearoa who are interested in and/or working in the field of (p)rehabilitation for patients with cancer. Combining our collective powers will help drive this field forward.

Our mission is to bring together researchers across all disciplines of cancer research with an interest in the Tumour Microenvironment (TME) in Aotearoa NZ; providing an opportunity to meet, promote and develop new research to advance understanding of the impact of the tumour microenvironment on tumour biology. Our research interests include, but are not limited to, the role of cancer-associated stromal cells (e.g. adipocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells, nerve cells) and hypoxia in cancer initiation, progression and response to therapy.